The Patron Saint of our Diocese happens to be Sicily's most important saint: Joseph, foster/adoptive father of Jesus, whose day is celebrated on March 19. On this day a unique Italian activity occurs called the St. Joseph's Table. (Note: St. Joseph celebrations may take place on the nearest weekend.)
The St. Joseph’s Table is a tradition that goes back to the Middle-Ages. At that time an exceptionally severe drought occurred in Sicily. No rain fell for seven years, no crops would grow, and countless people died of famine. The feudal landowners, in desperation, turned to St. Joseph and promised him that if the rains came they would prepare a big feast in his honor.
When the rains miraculously came, the landowners set up huge banquet tables in the public square, invited all the poor and served them. After that, the practice spread; from then on, anyone seeking favors would promise the same. Particularly invited are orphans or the elderly who do not have anyone to care for them properly.
A typical favor requested through St. Joseph must not be for personal gain or benefit. Some common requests are that a loved one be cured or survive a serious, life threatening illness or accident; or for the safe return of a loved one from war. It is also tradition not to divulge the nature of the favor requested. The St. Joseph Table is presented for favors granted, personal devotion or in thanksgiving for good fortune.
An altar called the St. Joseph's Table is laden with contributed items.
The table -- which is always blessed by a priest -- is in three tiers, symbolizing the Most Holy Trinity. The top tier holds a statue of St. Joseph surrounded by white lilies (his symbolic flower). The other tiers hold: fruit and vegetables symbolizing the harvest; flowers; candles; symbolic breads and pastries shaped like a monstrance, chalice, fish, doves, baskets, St. Joseph's staff, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, carpentry tools, breadcrumbs to symbolize sawdust (Joseph's occupation), etc.; 12 fish symbolizing the 12 Apostles; wine symbolizing the miracle at Cana; pineapple symbolizing hospitality; lemons for "luck"; bread and wine symbolizing the Last Supper; and pictures of those who have passed. There is a basket in which the faithful place prayer petitions, and candles to light for loved one's who've passed.
The day ends with each participant taking home a Holy Card and a blessed fava bean (during the drought, the fava thrived while other crops failed). Keeping the bean in your purse is reputed to insure good luck and never an empty wallet. Keep your "lucky bean," let it remind you of the abundance of the Table, and to send your prayers through St. Joseph. Money collected goes to help the poor in our community (and two orphanages beyond). “St. Joseph provides,” as the saying goes.